South Carolina Online NP Programs
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“School is not forever, and learning the tools needed of where to find answers is a part of the learning process. NPs are lifelong learners. Medicines and treatment options are ever-changing and evolving, so keeping up with the knowledge will take a lifetime.”
Deborah Hopla, DNP, Director of the MSN/DNP FNP Tracks, Francis Marion University
Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in South Carolina offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the state’s healthcare system while pursuing a fulfilling and flexible career. Online NP programs in South Carolina have become increasingly popular, providing aspiring nurses with the convenience to balance their education, professional obligations, and personal lives. These programs are designed to deliver high-quality coursework and clinical training in a virtual format, making advanced nursing education accessible to students across the state. One unique aspect of being an NP in South Carolina is the growing emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities in rural and underserved communities, where NPs often play a critical role in primary care delivery.
As of 2022, South Carolina had 4,120 nurse practitioners, and that number is expected to grow by 61 percent over the next decade, reaching 6,620 by 2032, according to CareerOneStop.org (2025).
This projected growth is significantly higher than the national average of 46 percent, underscoring the state’s increasing demand for healthcare professionals. With a rapidly expanding population and rising healthcare needs, especially in rural areas, online NP programs are essential to equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to meet these challenges.
Meet the Expert: Deborah Hopla, DNP, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Dr. Deborah Hopla is a professor and director of the MSN and DNP family nurse practitioner tracks at Francis Marion University, with over 30 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner. She holds degrees from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, West Georgia College, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina, where she obtained her MS and DNP.
A dedicated leader, Dr. Hopla chairs the South Carolina Advisory Committee for Nursing Education and has served in prominent roles, including President of the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. Recognized for her excellence, she has received awards such as the AJN Excellence in Writing Award and the Outstanding Policy Award from NONPF. She is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing. Active in community outreach, she works at Hope Health, serves on several boards focused on vulnerable populations, and participates in medical mission trips.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina?
Dr. Hopla: I wish the public knew to check National Certification Board scores for any online NP programs. It does not help a person to complete all the requirements if they are not prepared for the National Certification Boards. There is also a big difference between online programs that are for-profit versus the public, tax-supported universities. The very word “profit” lets you know the education will cost more money, but always look at the outcomes for the National Certification Board scores. A more expensive program doesn’t always mean a better pass rate.
The public needs to be aware of what will be taught and how the plan of study builds on knowledge. Ask about how clinical hours are completed and if there is a proven record of students being able to be placed without an extra cost for the required clinical experience that must be completed.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Hopla: The advice would be the same for all students attending any program and aspiring to be an NP. Study, because someone’s life will depend on your knowledge. Study to be able to properly diagnose and treat illnesses, and focus on how to ensure people stay well with healthcare prevention. Students seem to excel if they have had critical care and/or emergency department experience. Having experience in a medical/surgical floor of the hospital is also beneficial.
Students need to know that for every three-hour class, there must be three hours or more of study a week for each class. School is not forever, and learning the tools needed and where to find answers is a part of the learning process. NPs are lifelong learners. Medicines and treatment options are ever-changing and evolving, so keeping up with the knowledge will take a lifetime.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in South Carolina (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| University of South Carolina |
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| Anderson University |
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| Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) |
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NP Practice Authority in South Carolina
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in South Carolina?
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.